Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
STANFORD Magazine: The Future of Publishing
STANFORD Magazine: The Future of Publishing Great observations on the battles being fought on our behalf by publishers. Can they win? It's time for every author to chime in, or lose the right to have a say in Literature's future. What we do or don't do, will affect the world for centuries to come...
Thursday, November 18, 2010
The Novel Road Interview: David Brown Excerpt
An excerpt from the interview with David Brown the Deputy Director of Publicity for Atria Books, a division of Simon and Schuster-
Me: Talk about some of the craziest campaigns you have worked on.
David: We currently have Olympic hero Apolo Ohno on a multi-city bus tour for his book Zero Regrets. When it is all said and done, he will have visited over 50 cities and met over 20,000 people in the span of just 2 weeks! I've also worked on book written by a dog and a book written by a pimp.
Me: Talk about some of the craziest campaigns you have worked on.
David: We currently have Olympic hero Apolo Ohno on a multi-city bus tour for his book Zero Regrets. When it is all said and done, he will have visited over 50 cities and met over 20,000 people in the span of just 2 weeks! I've also worked on book written by a dog and a book written by a pimp.
Excuse My Being Sidetracked
Please pardon my lack of original posts. I'm up to my neck in... I mean I am busy formating with care and expertise, the MANY great interviews coming your way in December. I believe you will find this series of interviews enlightening, as well as humorous. Stay tuned... can you even say stay tuned any more? Think about it. I remember when...OUCH!
Pardon me for fading into post mode. Luckily my trusty sidekick... Stop hitting me! Ok, my assistant reminded me that we have a few details to iron out (It's all her fault) and we'll see you soon... Well not exactly see...
Pardon me for fading into post mode. Luckily my trusty sidekick... Stop hitting me! Ok, my assistant reminded me that we have a few details to iron out (It's all her fault) and we'll see you soon... Well not exactly see...
The Quintessentially Questionable Query Experiment: The Most Sympathetic Villain Ever
The Most Sympathetic Villain Ever Give me your picks for a villian that deserves a hug. I've seen villians over the years wrestling with their path of evil. Fighting the urge to give in to the darker aspects of their character, only to change at the last second. Redemption?
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
The Novel Road: Bryan Russell- Perfect 2 Sentence Pitch
Me: In two sentences, describe your book or work in progress.
Bryan: After killing his father in an argument, Japheth Tagori is sentenced to a life of service as a soldier in the Legion – yet he cannot escape his past, as the brigands who worked with his father (a smuggler) want Japheth dead because of something he’s forgotten he knows – the destination of a cartload of gold set to fuel a rebellion. The rebellion, though, is merely a diversion, as a war between empires looms on the horizon and Japheth finds himself a pawn in a dangerous game, manipulated by the mysterious Ghost King even as his enemies seek his head – and as Japheth seeks to understand his own identity as a soldier.
Bryan: After killing his father in an argument, Japheth Tagori is sentenced to a life of service as a soldier in the Legion – yet he cannot escape his past, as the brigands who worked with his father (a smuggler) want Japheth dead because of something he’s forgotten he knows – the destination of a cartload of gold set to fuel a rebellion. The rebellion, though, is merely a diversion, as a war between empires looms on the horizon and Japheth finds himself a pawn in a dangerous game, manipulated by the mysterious Ghost King even as his enemies seek his head – and as Japheth seeks to understand his own identity as a soldier.
What Motivates You?
Motivation has root causes. Different in each of us, money, power, pleasure... hell, even pain can motivate. Each day we get out of bed, there is a reason. It may be that bowl of Cheerios in the last seconds of a dream or something that makes you grumble, like the thoughts of rush hour traffic ahead. Whatever it is, something does drive us to do the things we do.
I can't talk to the sciences of the mind. What the chemical or primordial triggers are to motivation is really not here nor there for me. I just know that things occur to me that cause a need to do - something.
There are passions that inspire. Physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual inspirations which can drive us to the patent extremes of love and hate. We can become so driven by what motivates, that we begin to wrestle within ourselves to find right and wrong. The erudite will not be motivated below a line. The simple dreamer looks up, no line in sight.
Motivation is the essence of free will.
What about ulterior motives? Motivation to act based on compensation to another mean or end. Is acting upon a thought without regard to gain counter to the define motive?
This can be an endless thought or one that causes internal doubt. Anarchy is motivation ill defined. Conservatism owns few changes in either dawn or sunset.
I began thinking about this last night, when a knowledgeable friend's email asked me what I hoped to gain by posting interviews next month. Gain? Don't get me wrong, it was a fair enough question. I was asking for help getting the word out about my December format, and he has a huge audience to tap. It just never occurred to me that I would have to set a value to my interviews. In other words, what would I gain?
Audience? If I'm honest with myself, the answer is yes. My guest list is enough for a few thousand more visits to my blog each day.
Money? The answer is no. I don't think it right to earn money from the generosity of my guests. Even the book links are pulled from their sites, intact. So hits by anyone clicking them goes to my guests site.
Ego? Like a friend told me not long ago, "Ah, there's the rub". Will I be absolutely jacked up happy if I get good responses from the interviews? YES. If I find that my efforts have helped authors sell more books, I will be flat out over the moon.
The best thing about motivation is that it's innately personal. What drives me to write, blog or mow the lawn is purely mine. The things that inspire you are all yours, so keep what motivates you unique. Do what must be done according to heart and mind, just let your dreams into the decision making paradigm. After all, motivations that lighten the day, that add a smile, are the endless fuel you are blessed with to live each day as new.
I can't talk to the sciences of the mind. What the chemical or primordial triggers are to motivation is really not here nor there for me. I just know that things occur to me that cause a need to do - something.
There are passions that inspire. Physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual inspirations which can drive us to the patent extremes of love and hate. We can become so driven by what motivates, that we begin to wrestle within ourselves to find right and wrong. The erudite will not be motivated below a line. The simple dreamer looks up, no line in sight.
Motivation is the essence of free will.
What about ulterior motives? Motivation to act based on compensation to another mean or end. Is acting upon a thought without regard to gain counter to the define motive?
This can be an endless thought or one that causes internal doubt. Anarchy is motivation ill defined. Conservatism owns few changes in either dawn or sunset.
I began thinking about this last night, when a knowledgeable friend's email asked me what I hoped to gain by posting interviews next month. Gain? Don't get me wrong, it was a fair enough question. I was asking for help getting the word out about my December format, and he has a huge audience to tap. It just never occurred to me that I would have to set a value to my interviews. In other words, what would I gain?
Audience? If I'm honest with myself, the answer is yes. My guest list is enough for a few thousand more visits to my blog each day.
Money? The answer is no. I don't think it right to earn money from the generosity of my guests. Even the book links are pulled from their sites, intact. So hits by anyone clicking them goes to my guests site.
Ego? Like a friend told me not long ago, "Ah, there's the rub". Will I be absolutely jacked up happy if I get good responses from the interviews? YES. If I find that my efforts have helped authors sell more books, I will be flat out over the moon.
The best thing about motivation is that it's innately personal. What drives me to write, blog or mow the lawn is purely mine. The things that inspire you are all yours, so keep what motivates you unique. Do what must be done according to heart and mind, just let your dreams into the decision making paradigm. After all, motivations that lighten the day, that add a smile, are the endless fuel you are blessed with to live each day as new.
Shareholders approve Barnes & Noble 'poison pill' - Yahoo! News
Shareholders approve Barnes & Noble 'poison pill' . The drama continues for the huge book retailer
Don't pet me, I'm writing: Three tips for bouncing between books
Tawna Fenske should be on your morning blog read. Why? Well, if you're the type of person who likes starting their day off with a smile, this is the place to be.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Dale Brown Interview - Excerpt - 12/7/10
Join me for an interview with Dale Brown, Techno-Thriller author whose sold over 15 million books!
Me: You're co-writing novels with Jim DeFelice. It is becoming more and more common among established authors to co-write. Why?
Dale: Established authors do other series to keep their names on the bookshelves. But I do not subscribe to the concept of "ghost writer." Jim DeFelice is not my ghost-writer: he is an established and well-known author that writes outstanding stories that I am fortunate enough to collaborate on with him.
Me: You're co-writing novels with Jim DeFelice. It is becoming more and more common among established authors to co-write. Why?
Dale: Established authors do other series to keep their names on the bookshelves. But I do not subscribe to the concept of "ghost writer." Jim DeFelice is not my ghost-writer: he is an established and well-known author that writes outstanding stories that I am fortunate enough to collaborate on with him.
Robin Becker Interview 12/2/10
The Novel Road Interview series: Robin Becker, author of "Brains: a Zombie Memoir - December 2
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Budget Puzzle: You Fix the Budget - Interactive Feature - NYTimes.com
I found this on Twitter this morning. Give it a try. It makes it seem far to easy to balance the Budget. The definitions of what's being cut or kept is a little fairly vague. Quite interesting though...
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Writer Angst Part 3 --- Editors
If literary agents are a bridge between authors and getting published, then editors are thr road signs, if not the very road itself toward that end. The new or aspiring author has to understand the part of the editor. I think far too many believe that once they have an agent, it all comes down to a sales pitch to a publisher. That the next step is, a place on the bookshelf. Something else has to happen before your dream comes true. The something, is a someone. You will know little of who this person is, but the future of your work is in their hands.
Editors have the most amazing, and somewhat secret, way of doing what they do. They add another layer of checks and balances to the publishing process. Actually, more than one layer, since their OCD bretheren, the copy editor, adds a last laugh before publishing. Oh sure, the author gets views after each process, but unless you are a successful author, challenging an editor's requests can often make the "Things not to do" list. Don't get me wrong, an author has to stand up for their work. Just pick your battles wisely.
The editor is part Yoda and Gollum - wise, but obsessed. Paid by an author privately, they manage patience as best they can. Paid by a publisher - just this side of whip cracking can happen, though more often it takes the form of lengthy, very exact, e-mails. (your agent is in the middle of all this, of course) Editor's respect the creative process, but demand in their own unique way, what will make the story "right".
I made an observation to an editor that had him no doubt shaking his head before I finished my thought. I had tried to make the analogy that an author has to hold their work up to a mirror, to see problems from a different perspective. This comment was met with a silence for a few moments. Just as I was about to pat myself on the back for my example, I got slapped back to reality.
"The problem with your mirror, is that it's your mirror," (insert long exhale by my editor friend), "you'll gain no objectivity from holding the mirror just so. I can't tell you how many authors believe themselves to be objective about their own work. They come up with reasons on why or how they edited. In most cases they think knowing the definition of edit is enough." He gave me a gravel tinted chuckle as I listened and tried to think of what next to ask. He beat me to it.
"Your about to ask my advice to an author, right? Well, the first thing I'd tell them is learn to spell,(I pulled at my shirt collar, al la Rodney Dangerfield, and could swear the room was getting a tad warm).The second thing I'd say is read it out loud. Find sentences or phrases that don't work and re-write or remove them. Third, have someone, other than a friend, read your work. Take whatever anyone says to heart, because that's your damn mirror. An editor reads with the thought of the future reader, not the author's dream."
After our conversation, I came up with this:
Think of a statue. A book without an editor, is a glob of clay with a smiley face and catchy name. With an editor, you get MARBLE, with some nice curves, and a smiley face... And suggestions for better names.
You thought I'd say you'd get Michelangelo's David? An editor can't make a bad story or horrible writing great. They can give the story a better foundation, read-ability and shape. Yet they depend on the initial product to be worthy. For my money, there is no better investment than an editor.
Agents have to use their experience to match a manuscript to the editor. Different editors have different strengths. Some specialize in genres or even a voice. A few really can do it all, but most tend to stay in their comfort zones. So add this to the list of things I didn't tell you about agents in Part 2. Agents shop your story to editors, who have limits on how many manuscripts they can deal with in a year.
Great editors are coveted. They have earned reputations for their work. Think getting to be a debut author is tough? Ask an editor how hard they had to work to get to where they are today. They have the academic resumes to back up their successes. My interview with Peter Ginna was extremely interesting. When I read the answers to my questions, I began to kick myself because I didn't ask more than I did. I suddenly thought of fifteen or twenty questions I could have put to him.
Editors seldom get the credit they deserve. I honor those authors that place mention of the editor's work in their books. The editor must constantly adapt to changing literary preferences. I wanted to ask Peter Ginna how long it takes him to write a text message. (LOL) Changes in slang, must drive them to drink... Or miniature golf. Non-Fiction is one thing, but with Fiction, editors must open a new manuscript like a bomb disposal guy lifting a lid.
I mentioned in an earlier post that I think editors are golden. After all I've learned about what they do... Think DIAMONDS...
Bookish Techy Week in Review - O'Reilly Radar
Lit mags return; libraries and publishers can't figure out e-lending; ebooks headed to NYT list; and David Pogue likes the Galaxy.
Friday, November 12, 2010
January 1st New Home of the Novel Road
The Blooger address for The Novel Road is currently: http://devinbriar.blogspot.com/
It will all move here after the first of the year.
It will all move here after the first of the year.
Ten Block Walk
Ten Block Walk has a post worth a read. Life experience, see places, and learning about the nature of people before you write is priceless.
Dreams and ideas. Make them richer by life well lived.
Dreams and ideas. Make them richer by life well lived.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The Nervous Breakdown - Monique Truong - Self Interview
Monique Truong, award winning author, does a self-interview.
New Week after Week #8
This Week after Week will be to answer questions that are currently filling my inbox.
- How did I pick the guests? - The Ouija Board is an amazing thing. Aren't the search engines of Google, Bing, Yahoo and others all based on Ouija technology?
- Can I ask David Baldacci a question? - Of course you can. Go on Amazon.com, look for "Stalking for Fun and Felony". Buy it, and turn to page 793, the one just after "Restaining Orders Don't Apply to You". The answer to your question is there in very small print.
- Why are you trying to compete with CineMax? - Have you seen a picture of Alta Hensley? Actually, I'm trying to represent as many genres as I can, and Romantic Erotica, it turns out, isn't an Error Code for Internet Explorer.
- You have a contest going on Nathan Bransford's blog, the winner gets to ask a question of either Sean Ferrell, author of the critically acclaimed "Numb" or Robin Becker, popular author of "Brains". How about a contest, and the winner gets taken flying with Dale Brown? - Forget the contest, your such a ranty bugger, I just called Dale and he's expecting you. He said something about an experimental "Wing Seat"... Good Times...
- Did you REALLY ask a question about Lolli-Pops and Popcorn and does the Pizza-Snickers diet REALLY work? - To the first question, the answer is no. To the second question, the answer is that it's a working theory. Weight loss is all in your mind, right?
- And finally: Did Janet Reid really help you and if so how? The lovely Ms. Reid is acting as the moderator.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Don't pet me, I'm writing - Cheap Wine, Editor taste
Shopping for wine is an art... Sort of... One of my interview guests gives her take on the $4 bottle
*The Interviews and Why
Fifteen e-mails in this morning (out of 157), I saw a bit of a trend building. The subject lines all had a variation on "Interviews? You've got to be %#*@ ing kidding me?"
What I can say to those who want just the links, and a few jumbled thoughts from myself, to remain on the page: This is something I want to do. The normal stuff will stay, I'm just adding to it.
My page started as my personal creative writing page. To post my thoughts and observations, then to make sure the world didn't end when I did. But a funny thing happened one day... Someone looked in and showed the extremely bad taste to keep coming back. Whoever this was brought along a friend or two. Then someone must have written my blog's address on a massively busy restroom wall, or wrote it on Janet Reid's car bumper, because my traffic went NUTS!
While my frequent viewers still would rather e-mail me than simply post a comment, I think you have the ability to appreciate something new. It was up to me to figure out what "new" thing would interest both you and me. Therefore, my Einstein-esk brain came up with the only logical answer: INTERVIEWS.
Who would want to be interviewed by me you say?
Well I'm not going to tell you since your being a bit of a wiggler. But I will give you a very small sample, because I don't hold grudges.
This list includes some of those that have returned their answers to my sage, well thought out, insightful, questions... Can you believe no one wanted to answer the Tootsie Pops and Popcorn question? Also, none offered to try my "Be a Winner on the Pizza - Snickers Diet", but there you are...
Dale Brown, Brian Haig, Bryan Russell, Peter Ginna, Tawna Fenske, Sean Ferrell, Kennedy Foster, Robin Becker, Joan Wolf, Amy Minato... Wo! There.. that's all you get for now. It's almost half the list, so don't snivel. You want a few surprises, don't you? OK, one more and only because I wanted to compete with CinaMax on Friday night - Alta Hensley (read this one with someone you want to love...Allot... right after reading it)
Now, back to this business no one would want to talk to me... All I had to do is offer $1.83 in unmarked bills and swear to stay off their lawns... At night... Oh, and to stop singing "Cat Scratch Fever" when they answer the phone.
The people I've secured for the interviews have been amazing. My personal thanks to Janet Reid and Suzie Townsend for their help. I'd also like to thank those that couldn't make the interviews now, for their kind words and I hope to have them on the page sometime in 2011.
Anyway, there it is. The Novel Road will also have a new look after the first of the year, as well as tons of guest bloggers. No, Devin Briar will not be a guest. He's a bit full of himself right now.
All the Best!
DougM
What I can say to those who want just the links, and a few jumbled thoughts from myself, to remain on the page: This is something I want to do. The normal stuff will stay, I'm just adding to it.
My page started as my personal creative writing page. To post my thoughts and observations, then to make sure the world didn't end when I did. But a funny thing happened one day... Someone looked in and showed the extremely bad taste to keep coming back. Whoever this was brought along a friend or two. Then someone must have written my blog's address on a massively busy restroom wall, or wrote it on Janet Reid's car bumper, because my traffic went NUTS!
While my frequent viewers still would rather e-mail me than simply post a comment, I think you have the ability to appreciate something new. It was up to me to figure out what "new" thing would interest both you and me. Therefore, my Einstein-esk brain came up with the only logical answer: INTERVIEWS.
Who would want to be interviewed by me you say?
Well I'm not going to tell you since your being a bit of a wiggler. But I will give you a very small sample, because I don't hold grudges.
This list includes some of those that have returned their answers to my sage, well thought out, insightful, questions... Can you believe no one wanted to answer the Tootsie Pops and Popcorn question? Also, none offered to try my "Be a Winner on the Pizza - Snickers Diet", but there you are...
Dale Brown, Brian Haig, Bryan Russell, Peter Ginna, Tawna Fenske, Sean Ferrell, Kennedy Foster, Robin Becker, Joan Wolf, Amy Minato... Wo! There.. that's all you get for now. It's almost half the list, so don't snivel. You want a few surprises, don't you? OK, one more and only because I wanted to compete with CinaMax on Friday night - Alta Hensley (read this one with someone you want to love...Allot... right after reading it)
Now, back to this business no one would want to talk to me... All I had to do is offer $1.83 in unmarked bills and swear to stay off their lawns... At night... Oh, and to stop singing "Cat Scratch Fever" when they answer the phone.
The people I've secured for the interviews have been amazing. My personal thanks to Janet Reid and Suzie Townsend for their help. I'd also like to thank those that couldn't make the interviews now, for their kind words and I hope to have them on the page sometime in 2011.
Anyway, there it is. The Novel Road will also have a new look after the first of the year, as well as tons of guest bloggers. No, Devin Briar will not be a guest. He's a bit full of himself right now.
All the Best!
DougM
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
*Dr. Syntax : Alfred Hitchcock's Bomb
Alfred Hitchcok's Bomb: Suspense, Suprise, and Emotion in Narrative
Monday, November 8, 2010
Joëlle Anthony's "Restoring Harmony"
"Restoring Harmony" by Joëlle Anthony is a book going on my "read list".
Every review so far says it's solid gold! Click her name and have a look at her site. This author's talents are extensive.
Every review so far says it's solid gold! Click her name and have a look at her site. This author's talents are extensive.
*The Alchemy of Writing: Nathan Bransford, the Deafness of Phantasms, and a...
Bryan Russell is one talented writer. Here is an excerpt from his current post :
"I'm naturally fairly blind, but contact lenses make the world clear for me, perceptible and understandable. Writing frames my consciousness in the same way. the act itself is important, the transformation, the formulation in words of a million perceived and felt things. Writing is an act of clarity, an act of envisioning..."
Hopefully, he will be submiting his novel soon. Whatever publisher is lucky enough to add Bryan to their author list, is getting a true winner.
"I'm naturally fairly blind, but contact lenses make the world clear for me, perceptible and understandable. Writing frames my consciousness in the same way. the act itself is important, the transformation, the formulation in words of a million perceived and felt things. Writing is an act of clarity, an act of envisioning..."
Hopefully, he will be submiting his novel soon. Whatever publisher is lucky enough to add Bryan to their author list, is getting a true winner.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Query Shark
Not only is this lady talented, but she has the best logo ever to put on her clients blogs.
*The Making of Genres and the Quest
When the thought of doing interviews on The Novel Road popped into my head, it wasn't an epiphany-ish pop. It was more like, the site's audience is growing like a weed, so maybe I should do other things to keep it interesting. (Note to self: never run out of "private moment" reading material again. The fan noise causes ideas to "pop")
My idea was to start having the interviews with authors from each and every genre. I mean, how many could there be? After only a few moments of research, I found a list by the California Department of Education. They wrote the list with a vague certainty in the opening line:
"Here is a list of literary genres as defined by the California Department of Education:"
The list includes 18 Fiction and 5 Non-Fiction genres, as well as their descriptions. See? Not that many, so my Einstein-esk mind quickly calculates that's...
Being thorough, I check a little more (Wikipedia) and less than a second after I bring up the "Literary genres" page, I'm spewing Diet Coke with Splenda at my monitor. Coughing and spattering, my eyes clear again to re-read: 189 literary genres. A nervous laugh begins, as I read the headings, some of which I am hoping are a "Wiki-Jokes".
Penny Dreadful - 19th Century weekly sensational series
Homophonic Translation - Translating a text from one language into another without trying to preserve the original meaning. (Why? It sounds like an excuse to get it wrong. Like a literary shoulder shrug...)
Lovecraftian Horror - Named after H.P. Lovecraft (1890-1937) he was into "Human Nullifying Entities" and grimoire later transitioning into Psychological horror.
Ergodic Literature - I gave up at the descriptions of extranoematic and hypertext fiction
55 Fiction - I'm not even kidding... Science fiction that is no more than 55 words in length (origins of the...Gulp!...Query letter?)
Robinsonade - If you write about being on a desert island, this is you... Seriously, I dare you to put this down as your genre when you submit. Somewhere in the rejection letter will be, "What the %&*$ !)
Scandinavian Noir - OK, this is actually a seriously honorable genre (Stieg Larrson's Millineum Trilogy ). But it gave me mind's eye visuals of a girl named Elsa chasing Heike down a very clean street, imploring him to give up his life of crime in the Brunost Mob...
Seriously, where do these genres come from and above all... Why? I'm sure genres are created by the marketplace. Is it so bookstores know what to call the isle or section you need?
It could be that genres are actually clubs, with secret hand shakes and cool club jackets. Would a Paranormal jacket be see through? The Steam punk jacket would be black, made of despair proof Gore Tex.
Label we will, there for label we must, whether to simplify or identify. But 189 genres? It will be impossible to find authors from all these genres. Some are from long ago and have become the foundation of new genres... Oh my God there may be more of them!
What I do find interesting about my research into genres is that most of the modern genres have roots in others from times past. Have a look and tell me what you think. While your at it, if you should know of any authors in the more obscure genres listed on the Wiki pages listed earlier, let me know...
*I'm now on a quest!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Week after Week -- #7
- I'm overwhelmed by the number of great authors, agents and editors that have consented to do interviews next month. To those that couldn't accept, I'd like to thank you for your kindness for even considering my requests.
- Nathan Bransford has left Curtis Brown Ltd. He will be missed by all, even though he will only be a CNET away.
- Keith Richard's book is a bestseller... Mick is waiting for the movie
- One of my favorite morning reads: The Rejectionist I bet the word "decaf" isn't spoken in their office.
- I think Dr. Syntax should have a word with Kate Bernheimer . Her, "My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me : Forty New Fairy Tales" is a compilation of fairy tales written by Neil Gaiman, Joyce Carol Oates, Kevin Brockmeier and host of other. Is it me, or is the title the best short... Gulp!... query letter of all time?
- Did I mention I'm doing interviews... Oops! Top Secret guest list will be released November 30th and if you aren't even a little impressed with who is coming to The Novel Road... Well then, BALLS to ya!
- Finally, Time magazine has a short memory, or a weak technology department, if they think that Amazon's Kindle is the #2 Gadget of ALL TIME!
- *** Update- new Harlon Coban - Myron Bolitar due out March 22, 2011***
Friday, November 5, 2010
The Rejectionist: * Why Nathan Bransford Left
A very funny post to help us wish Nathan Bransford well... and add to the conspiracy theories like Roswell and the Grassy - Knoll as to why he REEEALLY left.
Nathan Bransford - Leaving the Literary Agent Biz
Nathan Bransford , one of the most popular agents in the Blog-o-Sphere is leaving for a new opportunity at CNET. I wish him well in his new job and life to come. Hail, Jacob Wonderbar!
ANDevers - Overlooked Great Authors
An intriguing list of authors that have been overlooked for their great contributions to literature.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Bryan Allain: Deconstructing Popular Sayings
From lambs tails to straws... Bryan Allain is a talented humorist
**A Brain Scientist's Take on Erotic Writing**
Write about steamy, romantic scenes much? Have a look at some great insights...
Google/Blogger Statistics and Analytics
The analytics that Google provides are great. They are also addictive, as much as they are interesting.
"I just got Romania! Now, how to get a Bulgarian... It's the blogger version of the game "Risk", without the dice. Now if Google would just let me buy countries.... Ba ha ha! I must fill the map of the world with lime green shadows... Lime green? Genghis Khan wouldn't do LIME GREEN! There is Dark Green for most hits countries, I think. The list of countries is limited by how many hits, so ones and twos don't stay on the list for long... But I know they are there, and they're mine dammit! They can hide, in the back list of my conquests, but as long as they return for a visit, they will not incur my wrath... Once I figure out what kind of wrath is even possible. Maybe I'll book all the hotel rooms and not show up? Reserve all the window seats on Macedonia Airways and Crop Dusting...
These statistics are, in a word, COOL. I take my hat off to Google for creating them. They show traffic sources, audience, timelines (ranging from Now, Day, Week, Month and Alltime) and post hits. The post hits is really the one that I watch and I'm proud to say my posts out-do the links.
I know I put my ego at risk when I post a link to Janet Reid or Nathan Bransford . These two are more popular in the literary "blog-o-sphere" world than Lady Gaga or Justin Bieber (Nathan does have a bit of Bieber hair). Not that Gaga has anything to do with Janet "the Shark" Reid, far from it. Janet has a Rental Cat and Gaga has Rental People...
These stats also give me a clue on how much traffic I send to others. The nice people at Google said they will all send me money or gifts at Christmas (Then they told me to never call them again, saying they would penalize me by taking my countries one by one... Gulp! The whole "Absolute Power" thing comes to mind...)
All and all, these statistics are more instant gratification than usable for now. They do help me know that my efforts to expand my social network aren't in vain. Blogger does have its quirks and hitches. As you can see, their spell check lacks, which reflects badly on my, er, ah, ability to spell. (note to self: re-read my post on EDITING) Whatever can be said, saying that Blogger isn't doing a GREAT job isn't one of them.
Now... Can I please have Togo?
** Update- The link that has gotten the most hits? Natalie Wipple's post on Strong Female Characters beat them all.
"I just got Romania! Now, how to get a Bulgarian... It's the blogger version of the game "Risk", without the dice. Now if Google would just let me buy countries.... Ba ha ha! I must fill the map of the world with lime green shadows... Lime green? Genghis Khan wouldn't do LIME GREEN! There is Dark Green for most hits countries, I think. The list of countries is limited by how many hits, so ones and twos don't stay on the list for long... But I know they are there, and they're mine dammit! They can hide, in the back list of my conquests, but as long as they return for a visit, they will not incur my wrath... Once I figure out what kind of wrath is even possible. Maybe I'll book all the hotel rooms and not show up? Reserve all the window seats on Macedonia Airways and Crop Dusting...
These statistics are, in a word, COOL. I take my hat off to Google for creating them. They show traffic sources, audience, timelines (ranging from Now, Day, Week, Month and Alltime) and post hits. The post hits is really the one that I watch and I'm proud to say my posts out-do the links.
I know I put my ego at risk when I post a link to Janet Reid or Nathan Bransford . These two are more popular in the literary "blog-o-sphere" world than Lady Gaga or Justin Bieber (Nathan does have a bit of Bieber hair). Not that Gaga has anything to do with Janet "the Shark" Reid, far from it. Janet has a Rental Cat and Gaga has Rental People...
These stats also give me a clue on how much traffic I send to others. The nice people at Google said they will all send me money or gifts at Christmas (Then they told me to never call them again, saying they would penalize me by taking my countries one by one... Gulp! The whole "Absolute Power" thing comes to mind...)
All and all, these statistics are more instant gratification than usable for now. They do help me know that my efforts to expand my social network aren't in vain. Blogger does have its quirks and hitches. As you can see, their spell check lacks, which reflects badly on my, er, ah, ability to spell. (note to self: re-read my post on EDITING) Whatever can be said, saying that Blogger isn't doing a GREAT job isn't one of them.
Now... Can I please have Togo?
** Update- The link that has gotten the most hits? Natalie Wipple's post on Strong Female Characters beat them all.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
This lady knows humor... and lives it
I'm a fan of Tawna Fenske's blog, "Don't pet me, I'm writing". Have a look at an older post about Matt the Cat.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Writer Angst Part 2 + Literary Agents +
What do you think of bridges? Think about what they do, whether it's spanning the impassable or shortening a trip, they are great, right?
Agents are bridges. Oh, they are much more, but the first purpose is to provide a professional avenue to publication. Without an agent, you are left to your own devices. This is where you all-knowing types insert your ego: "I know as much as an agent", "They are just middle men", "I'm an attorney, so any contract they can do..." or worse still, "They are a cult, bent on keeping my work from a soon-to-be adoring public." Actually they are witches... Just kidding, though I know of one that thinks she is... Ok, knows she is, A SHARK (Though she suffers from ailurophobia).
An agent offers industry and market knowledge they are intimately associated with on a daily basis. They have expertise, gained by exhaustive reading in every genre. They do interject personal opinion, which is only natural, and something every author should be glad that they do. I, for one, would rather have an agent that liked or loved my work, rather than puts up with it. Agents are an extension of your passion into the marketplace. They get paid if they sell, so they are inspired like few others to make you a success. The whole, "like to have groceries and a place to live" thing works FOR you.
If you read Part 1, you'll know that you have a wimpy side... Admit It! Doubt, fears, nerves... ANGST of an author can be handled and, in most cases, shared with an agent as you travel the publication road. In fact, call them at home, late, late at night and they will send you gifts... (things to do: delete my e-mail address before I post this)
I am not an agent, but I know that to be an agent, they have to have the patience of a pre-school teacher, especially with debut authors. "Hand holding" is probably ranked as one of the worst things about their jobs. They buoy egos, talk away tears, and shake you by the shoulders to snap you out of a funk when you need it... All before their first cup of coffee in the morning. ( OK, maybe third cup) The agent is your deal maker, publicist (in some cases), and works vast social networks to give you the best chance at success. All this while they read... Gulp!... Queries of possible new clients, simultaneously pitching your book to editors and marketing executives. Add the "light reading" of partials and full manuscripts at the office and home, plus doing writer's conferences, blogs, pod casts and the obligatory cocktail party (insert fake arm twist) as well as book signing and supporting their colleague's efforts for their clients... Whew!
If you're thinking, "sucks to be them" you'd be wrong. The vast majority of agent live for their work. They LOVE it, even though it takes a huge toll on their lives in many cases. They feel frustration, when they can't find a place for a work they believe in. They strike out more than they succeed in many cases. So, look at it this way: You submit one book and hope and pray it goes to print. An agent handles multiple books, that they have placed their reputations and passions on, at once. Think about that for a second. They know they hold so many hopes in their hands, and most of them fail. That means, when you get "The Call" about a book deal, there is more than likely a failure they have to deal with after or before your call. Talk about "Peak and Valley"...
We, as authors, take more for granted, than we ever should, when it comes to an agent. The common view is that an agent wields Zeus-ian powers over literary life. In a small way, that is kind of true. Yet the power they wield, is tempered by intellect we, as authors, don't readily fathom. They live in the real world, a business world, and they have to make tough choices. Agents crush hopes, but as God is my witness, I know they don't relish doing so. Their business must take personal tolls, because some leave the business after only a few years. They start with idealism of finding wonderful works to bring to print, and many do. Agents have to toughen themselves, to numb themselves, to the reality that of the tens of thousands of works offered yearly, few fall into the category they dream of, and live for, every day.
There are bad agents. Some are scam artists, offering an easy road to your dreams. Remember the bridge reference earlier? Well, bad agents hide the "Bridge Out" sign. If you take the road of not doing your research into the qualifications and history of an agent... "Sucks to be you" will be your publisher. Never pay an agent to read your work. Never contribute money to an agent to "get the ball rolling". In fact, if an agent ever asks for money up front or at anytime, run! ( ****There may be a "returns-reserve coverage" problem that is legitimate I'm told, though I have never personally known anyone that has experienced this, see your contract, or ask... that's right, your agent. That is what they are there for and why they get paid. If anyone can enlighten me further on this aspect, please contact me)
The funny thing is, I have touched on so very little of what an agent does. I haven't touched the things they won't do (But they will wash your car, mow your lawn and do your taxes... I was supposed to remember to do something before I posted this...Hmmmmm?). Reading this, you may say I'm a huge fan of agents, and you'd be right. I respect everyone for the job they do, and thank God when they are doing the job for me. Getting an agent doesn't insure the success that so many believe it does, because there are no guarantees offered or given. Agents are about building a business, your business. Build it right and winning is left to your words. After all, that is what started this dream. Be bold... Be smart... Be patient... If that doesn't work, write about VAMPIRES...
Part three will be about editors... Till then!
Agents are bridges. Oh, they are much more, but the first purpose is to provide a professional avenue to publication. Without an agent, you are left to your own devices. This is where you all-knowing types insert your ego: "I know as much as an agent", "They are just middle men", "I'm an attorney, so any contract they can do..." or worse still, "They are a cult, bent on keeping my work from a soon-to-be adoring public." Actually they are witches... Just kidding, though I know of one that thinks she is... Ok, knows she is, A SHARK (Though she suffers from ailurophobia).
An agent offers industry and market knowledge they are intimately associated with on a daily basis. They have expertise, gained by exhaustive reading in every genre. They do interject personal opinion, which is only natural, and something every author should be glad that they do. I, for one, would rather have an agent that liked or loved my work, rather than puts up with it. Agents are an extension of your passion into the marketplace. They get paid if they sell, so they are inspired like few others to make you a success. The whole, "like to have groceries and a place to live" thing works FOR you.
If you read Part 1, you'll know that you have a wimpy side... Admit It! Doubt, fears, nerves... ANGST of an author can be handled and, in most cases, shared with an agent as you travel the publication road. In fact, call them at home, late, late at night and they will send you gifts... (things to do: delete my e-mail address before I post this)
I am not an agent, but I know that to be an agent, they have to have the patience of a pre-school teacher, especially with debut authors. "Hand holding" is probably ranked as one of the worst things about their jobs. They buoy egos, talk away tears, and shake you by the shoulders to snap you out of a funk when you need it... All before their first cup of coffee in the morning. ( OK, maybe third cup) The agent is your deal maker, publicist (in some cases), and works vast social networks to give you the best chance at success. All this while they read... Gulp!... Queries of possible new clients, simultaneously pitching your book to editors and marketing executives. Add the "light reading" of partials and full manuscripts at the office and home, plus doing writer's conferences, blogs, pod casts and the obligatory cocktail party (insert fake arm twist) as well as book signing and supporting their colleague's efforts for their clients... Whew!
If you're thinking, "sucks to be them" you'd be wrong. The vast majority of agent live for their work. They LOVE it, even though it takes a huge toll on their lives in many cases. They feel frustration, when they can't find a place for a work they believe in. They strike out more than they succeed in many cases. So, look at it this way: You submit one book and hope and pray it goes to print. An agent handles multiple books, that they have placed their reputations and passions on, at once. Think about that for a second. They know they hold so many hopes in their hands, and most of them fail. That means, when you get "The Call" about a book deal, there is more than likely a failure they have to deal with after or before your call. Talk about "Peak and Valley"...
We, as authors, take more for granted, than we ever should, when it comes to an agent. The common view is that an agent wields Zeus-ian powers over literary life. In a small way, that is kind of true. Yet the power they wield, is tempered by intellect we, as authors, don't readily fathom. They live in the real world, a business world, and they have to make tough choices. Agents crush hopes, but as God is my witness, I know they don't relish doing so. Their business must take personal tolls, because some leave the business after only a few years. They start with idealism of finding wonderful works to bring to print, and many do. Agents have to toughen themselves, to numb themselves, to the reality that of the tens of thousands of works offered yearly, few fall into the category they dream of, and live for, every day.
There are bad agents. Some are scam artists, offering an easy road to your dreams. Remember the bridge reference earlier? Well, bad agents hide the "Bridge Out" sign. If you take the road of not doing your research into the qualifications and history of an agent... "Sucks to be you" will be your publisher. Never pay an agent to read your work. Never contribute money to an agent to "get the ball rolling". In fact, if an agent ever asks for money up front or at anytime, run! ( ****There may be a "returns-reserve coverage" problem that is legitimate I'm told, though I have never personally known anyone that has experienced this, see your contract, or ask... that's right, your agent. That is what they are there for and why they get paid. If anyone can enlighten me further on this aspect, please contact me)
The funny thing is, I have touched on so very little of what an agent does. I haven't touched the things they won't do (But they will wash your car, mow your lawn and do your taxes... I was supposed to remember to do something before I posted this...Hmmmmm?). Reading this, you may say I'm a huge fan of agents, and you'd be right. I respect everyone for the job they do, and thank God when they are doing the job for me. Getting an agent doesn't insure the success that so many believe it does, because there are no guarantees offered or given. Agents are about building a business, your business. Build it right and winning is left to your words. After all, that is what started this dream. Be bold... Be smart... Be patient... If that doesn't work, write about VAMPIRES...
Part three will be about editors... Till then!
Urban Psychopomp: Proactive Protagonists
An easy read, as well as helpful, for those needing a reminder of your protagonist's focus.
Urban Psychopomp: Proactive Protagonists
Urban Psychopomp: Proactive Protagonists
Elections and Ground Hog Day...Hmmm?
You ever get the feeling that elections are a never ending cycle of the same thing, happening again and again...
Ebooks and the threat from "internal constituencies" - O'Reilly Radar
An excellent article showing another angle to the E-book evolution.
Ebooks and the threat from "internal constituencies" - O'Reilly Radar
Ebooks and the threat from "internal constituencies" - O'Reilly Radar
Monday, November 1, 2010
Quick Query Critiques : Marla Miller .com
Never seen Marla Miller critique a query? Watch the lady who I believe is the best at the "Hook Sentence"
Quick Query Critiques : Marla Miller .com
Quick Query Critiques : Marla Miller .com
Writer Angst Part 1
As hard core as our plots can be, or our characters all knowing, all writers have, shall we say... a wimpy side.
The act of writing a novel, submitting for publication, then review, can be a masochistic endeavor. The best and worst novel to write is the first. Easy to write because it lacks pressure, and you can still be naive about the publication process. The nervous tremors begin when you start searching the Internet for "How to get published" articles. Part one is about the Debut Author.
If any author, EVER, didn't say or think, "That will be easy" or "How hard can that be?", when they first heard or read the words "Query Letter", has to be a liar or from another planet (Where queries aren't allowed). This is where I add a piece of advice for a beginning author:
"Resist, avoid, deny, the query letter from your world till you have COMPLETELY finish your manuscript." Hell, even block the word Query in your search browser. This is the point where you first come in contact with what I will call "purpose diffusion". Your purpose is to write a great book at this point, period, not add to the things you need to do later. Concentrate on the work, edit like the wind, and move on to publication worries later. Trust me. There is a limbo in the unpublished author world, where the souls of writers are suspended forever... writing query letters, over and over again. Their fellow "limbo-ites" offering heartfelt advice in the quest for the perfect letter. All the while, their manuscripts sit, because a new writer has come to the conclusion that, "why can't I write a query letter, when I've written words numbering in the hundreds of thousands, but these 250-odd words fry my brain?" It will too. Ground Hog Day lives in the query letter maelstrom.
Editing, for me, is the toughest part of writing. The toughness starts when you learn about WORD COUNT. At first, you will have a few moments of, "They don't mean me?" People want THE WHOLE STORY, right?Then you will find article after article that re-affirms the publishing world's preference for brevity. You will learn it has to do with printing cost vs return on investment, shelf space in stores and even cast the reading public as having shortened attention spans. Some agents will have different views. Nathan Bransford , for one, is not intimidated by manuscript length, though "The Swivet" has a closer handle on agent's general opinions. I'll stop here about editing because my left eye starts to twitch at the thought, but I will offer this advice to make it easier:
Have someone else (that means other than YOU) read your work out loud while you listen. You will hear what I call "Bump Sentences". You will hear it, as your friend reads, where something isn't right or awkward. Sure, you could read it out loud yourself, but if you have been pouring through your work, over and over again, you may miss what fresh eyes won't. Plus, it's fun to hear your words out loud and how people in general try to read with an audience. You will hear any confusion in their voices too. A good hint that something needs another look.
This is memory lane for most authors. There will be some that deny a state of anxiousness ever existed. Leave them be to their super-ego selves. This is the real world of a debut author we are talking about, so be as wimpy as you want...Just don't let anyone see it. Part 2 will focus on agents, editors, and blogs. Until then...
The act of writing a novel, submitting for publication, then review, can be a masochistic endeavor. The best and worst novel to write is the first. Easy to write because it lacks pressure, and you can still be naive about the publication process. The nervous tremors begin when you start searching the Internet for "How to get published" articles. Part one is about the Debut Author.
If any author, EVER, didn't say or think, "That will be easy" or "How hard can that be?", when they first heard or read the words "Query Letter", has to be a liar or from another planet (Where queries aren't allowed). This is where I add a piece of advice for a beginning author:
"Resist, avoid, deny, the query letter from your world till you have COMPLETELY finish your manuscript." Hell, even block the word Query in your search browser. This is the point where you first come in contact with what I will call "purpose diffusion". Your purpose is to write a great book at this point, period, not add to the things you need to do later. Concentrate on the work, edit like the wind, and move on to publication worries later. Trust me. There is a limbo in the unpublished author world, where the souls of writers are suspended forever... writing query letters, over and over again. Their fellow "limbo-ites" offering heartfelt advice in the quest for the perfect letter. All the while, their manuscripts sit, because a new writer has come to the conclusion that, "why can't I write a query letter, when I've written words numbering in the hundreds of thousands, but these 250-odd words fry my brain?" It will too. Ground Hog Day lives in the query letter maelstrom.
Editing, for me, is the toughest part of writing. The toughness starts when you learn about WORD COUNT. At first, you will have a few moments of, "They don't mean me?" People want THE WHOLE STORY, right?Then you will find article after article that re-affirms the publishing world's preference for brevity. You will learn it has to do with printing cost vs return on investment, shelf space in stores and even cast the reading public as having shortened attention spans. Some agents will have different views. Nathan Bransford , for one, is not intimidated by manuscript length, though "The Swivet" has a closer handle on agent's general opinions. I'll stop here about editing because my left eye starts to twitch at the thought, but I will offer this advice to make it easier:
Have someone else (that means other than YOU) read your work out loud while you listen. You will hear what I call "Bump Sentences". You will hear it, as your friend reads, where something isn't right or awkward. Sure, you could read it out loud yourself, but if you have been pouring through your work, over and over again, you may miss what fresh eyes won't. Plus, it's fun to hear your words out loud and how people in general try to read with an audience. You will hear any confusion in their voices too. A good hint that something needs another look.
This is memory lane for most authors. There will be some that deny a state of anxiousness ever existed. Leave them be to their super-ego selves. This is the real world of a debut author we are talking about, so be as wimpy as you want...Just don't let anyone see it. Part 2 will focus on agents, editors, and blogs. Until then...
Week after Week #6
- Most authors think their genre's are competitive... HA! Check out January Magazine and the number of cookbooks being published. JM is a great place for quick reviews, as well as interesting industry news.
- Vertiginous - How I felt when I read about Tom McCarthy, Believer Magazine and The International Necronautical Society. Is this the birthplace of Steampunk?
- Nice to see that "The Call" isn't a one-sided celebration. It's why Jessica Faust is one of the best in the business.
- O'Reilly (not that O'Reilly, this one has Radar) is fast becoming a favorite place for interesting incites.
- It's November... we are talking leaves on the ground, cold wind a blowing in winter, sooooo... Here's a flower... Why? Because I'm the kind of guy that gives... errr, ok, I liked it and with all the politics about us, who can't use a flower...Have an epiphany on me! Flower courtesy of http://thewriteoneval.blogspot.com/ , check out her site when you get a moment, some cool picks.
- Finally, a bit more NaNoWriMo (hopefully) advice from Jennifer Hubbard and a "For those that are about to die at their keyboard from living on Pizza Pockets..." I Salute You!